Right to indigent criminal defense - for a price in South Dakota

If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you.

That's what they say in the movies.

But, if you are a criminal defendant in the State of South Dakota, and if you cannot pay for your legal defense, one will be provided to you, still at a price of $92/hour - even if you are acquitted.

Does it make any sense?

No.

Does it violate established constitutional right to counsel in criminal cases? Most certainly.

So why do folks in the South Dakota government who are responsible for charging indigent criminal defendant $92/hour for a public defender are doing it?

Because, if the person is poor, the person will not be able to sue for violation of his or her rights, that's why.

Disgusting.